Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
03ROME702
2003-02-21 06:09:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Embassy Rome
Cable title:
U.S. MISSION ROME AND BIOTECHNOLOGY IN 2002
how-toThis record is a partial extract of the original cable. The full text of the original cable is not available.
UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 04 ROME 000702
SIPDIS
EB FOR LARSON
IO/EDA: WINNICK AND KOTOK; EB/TPP KLEMM AND MALAC/TPP/ATT
USDA/FAS FOR CHAMBLISS;REICH/HUGHES
USAID FOR JOSETTE LEWIS
USTR FOR RICHARD WHITE
ATHENS FOR JMCLEVERLEY
MEXICO CITY FOR BRAKEL
NAIROBI FOR UNEP
FROM FODAG
UNCLASSIFIED
PAGE 02 ROME 00702 01 OF 04 210658Z
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: AORC ETRD EAGR ETRD EAGR ETRD EAGR ETRD EAGR EAID UN FAO WFP EAID AORC UN FAO WFP EAID AORC UN FAO WFP EAID AORC UN FAO WFP
SUBJECT: U.S. MISSION ROME AND BIOTECHNOLOGY IN 2002
UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 04 ROME 000702
SIPDIS
EB FOR LARSON
IO/EDA: WINNICK AND KOTOK; EB/TPP KLEMM AND MALAC/TPP/ATT
USDA/FAS FOR CHAMBLISS;REICH/HUGHES
USAID FOR JOSETTE LEWIS
USTR FOR RICHARD WHITE
ATHENS FOR JMCLEVERLEY
MEXICO CITY FOR BRAKEL
NAIROBI FOR UNEP
FROM FODAG
UNCLASSIFIED
PAGE 02 ROME 00702 01 OF 04 210658Z
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: AORC ETRD EAGR ETRD EAGR ETRD EAGR ETRD EAGR EAID UN FAO WFP EAID AORC UN FAO WFP EAID AORC UN FAO WFP EAID AORC UN FAO WFP
SUBJECT: U.S. MISSION ROME AND BIOTECHNOLOGY IN 2002
1. SUMMARY: THE U.S. MISSION TO THE UN AGENCIES IN ROME
PROVIDES A VERY GOOD PLATFORM FOR PROMOTING AGRICULTURAL
BIOTECHNOLOGY AS A TOOL FOR PROMOTING SUSTAINABLE GROWTH IN
THE DEVELOPING WORLD TO A DIVERSE AND INFLUENTIAL AUDIENCE
FROM DEVELOPED AND DEVELOPING COUNTRIES. A LOOK BACK AT THE
MISSION'S BIOTECH ADVOCACY IN 2002 SHOWS HOW IMPORTANT IT IS
TO KEEP CLOSE TABS ON THIS ISSUE, PARTICULARLY IN UN BODIES
THAT PURPORT TO BE NEUTRAL BUT THAT MAY CARRY THEIR OWN
BIASES. BIOTECH WILL CONTINUE TO BE AN IMPORTANT ISSUE AT
THE ROME AGENCIES IN 2003; THE U.S. MISSION ROME STANDS
READY TO EXPLOIT FULLY THESE OPPORTUNITIES. END SUMMARY.
2. THE U.S. MISSION TO THE UN AGENCIES IN ROME PROVIDES A
VERY GOOD PLATFORM FOR PROMOTING AGRICULTURAL BIOTECHNOLOGY
AS A TOOL FOR PROMOTING SUSTAINABLE GROWTH IN THE DEVELOPING
WORLD TO A DIVERSE AND INFLUENTIAL AUDIENCE. OUR MAJOR
INTERLOCUTORS ARE AMBASSADORS AND AGRICULTURAL COUNSELORS
FROM DEVELOPED AND DEVELOPING COUNTRIES POSTED TO THEIR
PERMANENT MISSIONS TO THE UN AGENCIES IN ROME. THESE SENIOR
OFFICIALS DEBATE LONG-TERM BIOTECH POLICY IN UN FOOD AND
AGRICULTURE ORGANIZATION (FAO) POLICY-MAKING BODIES AND
DISCUSS THE REAL-WORLD IMPLICATIONS OF BIOTECH FOOD AID AS
MEMBERS OF THE WORLD FOOD PROGRAM (WFP) EXECUTIVE BOARD.
OUR OTHER MAJOR INTERLOCUTORS ARE SENIOR AND MID-LEVEL
OFFICIALS AT THE FAO WHO ARE SHAPING FAO POLICY STATEMENTS
AND MANAGING FAO PROGRAMS DEALING WITH BIOTECHNOLOGY.
UNCLASSIFIED
PAGE 03 ROME 00702 01 OF 04 210658Z
2. THIS CABLE PRESENTS A SHORT CHRONOLOGY OF MANY OF THE
ACTIVITIES (OUTSIDE OF THE REGULAR MEETING SCHEDULE),WHICH
U.S. MISSION ROME TOOK TO PROMOTE AGRICULTURAL BIOTECHNOLOGY
ON BEHALF OF THE DEVELOPING WORLD.
JANUARY 2002: THE FRUIT OF LONG-TERM CONTACTS WITH FAO
STAFF RESPONSIBLE FOR BIOTECHNOLOGY, MISSION REPORTED TO
WASHINGTON THAT THE FAO SOUGHT EXPERT GUIDANCE IN THE AREA
OF INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS AS IT RELATES TO
BIOTECHNOLOGY AND WOULD WELCOME U.S. ASSISTANCE. (02 ROME
106)
JANUARY 2002: THE ACTING PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE HOSTED A
LUNCH FOR PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVES FROM ZIMBABWE, TANZANIA,
SOUTH AFRICA AND KENYA TO DISCUSS AFRICAN PERSPECTIVES ON
AGRICULTURAL BIOTECHNOLOGY.
FEBRUARY 2002: THE ACTING PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE HOSTED A
LUNCH FOR PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVES FROM INDONESIA,
THAILAND, MALAYSIA, CHINA AND INDIA TO DISCUSS ASIAN
PERSPECTIVES ON AGRICULTURAL BIOTECHNOLOGY.
FEBRUARY 2002: THE MISSION ORGANIZED A COFFEE SESSION WITH
VISITING USG SPONSORED SCIENTIST AND BIOTECH ADVOCATE, DR.
CHANNAPATNA PRAKASH, FOR SELECTED PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVES
FROM SWEDEN, THE PHILIPPINES AND LESOTHO.
MARCH 2002: A SEMINAR ON "BIOTECH FOOD AID" HOSTED BY THE
BELGIAN DELEGATION TO THE FAO PROVIDED INVITED U.S. MISSION
STAFF AN OPPORTUNITY TO ARGUE IN FAVOR OF FAO TAKING A PRO-
UNCLASSIFIED
PAGE 04 ROME 00702 01 OF 04 210658Z
BIOTECH APPROACH AND SUPPORT THE SAFETY OF U.S. DONATED
BIOTECH FOOD AID BEFORE 20 PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVES FROM
DEVELOPED AND DEVELOPING COUNTRIES.
APRIL 2002: MISSION NOTIFIED FAO THAT THE CONVENTION ON
BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY HAD POSTED AN FAO PAPER ON GENETIC END
USE RESTRICTION TECHNOLOGY (GURTS) THAT HAD NOT BEEN
APPROVED BY ANY FAO BODY. (THE PAPER WAS BIASED AND NOT
SUPPORTED BY SOUND SCIENCE.) FAO CALLED IT TO THE ATTENTION
OF THE CBD SECRETARIAT. (4/3/02 HEILEMAN/FRESCO LETTER)
MAY 2002: MISSION SUCCESSFULLY REQUESTED FUNDING FOR FIVE
MID-LEVEL DIPLOMATS TO PARTICIPATE IN AN INTERNATIONAL
VISITORS PROGRAM VISIT TO THE U.S. BIOTECHNOLOGY WAS ONE OF
THE TOPICS ADDRESSED IN THE VISIT. (03 ROME 503)
JULY 2002: WORLD FOOD SUMMIT FIVE YEARS LATER: U.S.
DELEGATION SUCCESSFULLY NEGOTIATED INCLUSION OF STRONG
BIOTECH LANGUAGE IN THE DECLARATION OF THE WORLD FOOD SUMMIT
UNCLASSIFIED
UNCLASSIFIED PTQ3126
PAGE 01 ROME 00702 02 OF 04 210658Z
ACTION SSO-00
INFO LOG-00 AID-00 ANHR-00 EB-00 E-00 UTED-00 TEDE-00
IO-00 OIC-02 SS-00 STR-00 TEST-00 SAS-00 /002W
-------------- 3924CA 210659Z /38
R 210609Z FEB 03
FM AMEMBASSY ROME
TO SECSTATE WASHDC 8361
INFO USDA FAS WASHDC 2557
USMISSION USUN NEW YORK
USMISSION GENEVA
USMISSION UNVIE VIENNA
AMEMBASSY NAIROBI
USEU BRUSSELS 3131
AMEMBASSY MEXICO
EU MEMBER STATES COLLECTIVE
UNCLAS SECTION 02 OF 04 ROME 000702
SIPDIS
EB FOR LARSON
IO/EDA: WINNICK AND KOTOK; EB/TPP KLEMM AND MALAC/TPP/ATT
USDA/FAS FOR CHAMBLISS;REICH/HUGHES
USAID FOR JOSETTE LEWIS
USTR FOR RICHARD WHITE
ATHENS FOR JMCLEVERLEY
MEXICO CITY FOR BRAKEL
NAIROBI FOR UNEP
FROM FODAG
UNCLASSIFIED
PAGE 02 ROME 00702 02 OF 04 210658Z
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: AORC ETRD EAGR ETRD EAGR ETRD EAGR ETRD EAGR EAID UN FAO WFP EAID AORC UN FAO WFP EAID AORC UN FAO WFP EAID AORC UN FAO WFP
SUBJECT: U.S. MISSION ROME AND BIOTECHNOLOGY IN 2002
FIVE YEARS LATER. MISSION AND WASHINGTON AGENCIES ORGANIZED
A U.S./IFPRI SPONSORED SYMPOSIUM ON BIOTECHNOLOGY, FEATURING
NORMAN BORLAUG AND OPENED BY THE NIGERIAN MINISTER OF
AGRICULTURE. A STANDING ROOM AUDIENCE OF WORLD FOOD SUMMIT
DELEGATES AND ITALIAN OFFICIALS HEARD POWERFUL PRESENTATIONS
IN FAVOR OF AGRICULTURAL BIOTECHNOLOGY FOR THE DEVELOPING
WORLD. (BBC MORNING NEWS PICKED UP THE EVENT.) ACTING PERM
REP HOSTED A DINNER FOR BORLAUG AND OTHER SYMPOSIUM
PARTICIPANTS WITH SENIOR FAO OFFICIALS AND OTHER WORLD FOOD
SUMMIT HEADS OF DELEGATION. (02 ROME 3214)
JULY AND AUGUST 2002: MISSION STAFF MET WITH FAO DEPUTY
DIRECTOR GENERAL TO INFORM HIM THAT FAO WAS BEING CITED AS A
SOURCE OF INCORRECT INFORMATION ON THE CARTAGENA PROTOCOL,
WITH DISASTROUS IMPLICATIONS FOR SOUTHERN AFRICAN ACCEPTANCE
OF BIOTECH FOOD AID. THE FAO AGREED TO CORRECT THE DOCUMENT
IN QUESTION (A LETTER TO UN UNDERSECRETARY OSHIMA) AND
ADVISE ITS REGIONAL REPRESENTATIVES. (02 ROME 3508)
AUGUST 2002: ACTING CHIEF OF MISSION AND AGRICULTURAL
COUNSELOR MET WITH FAO DIRECTOR GENERAL AND FAO SENIOR STAFF
TO ENSURE THAT FAO WAS FOLLOWING UP ON ITS AGREEMENT TO
CORRECT THE MISINFORMATION. (02 3508, 3676, 3899, 4048)
AUGUST 2002: MISSION MAINTAINED DAILY COMMUNICATION WITH
SENIOR FAO OFFICIALS ON THE NEED FOR THE FAO TO SEND A
UNCLASSIFIED
PAGE 03 ROME 00702 02 OF 04 210658Z
POSITIVE PUBLIC MESSAGE ON THE SAFETY OF BIOTECH FOOD AID.
THE FAO/WHO STATEMENT ON BIOTECH ENGINEERED FOOD ISSUED AT
THE WORLD SUMMIT ON SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT REFLECTED THIS
UNREMITTING MISSION (BACKED UP BY OTHER USG) PRESSURE.
JULY 2002: MISSION SUCCESSFULLY MOBILIZED USG FUNDING FOR
TWO DEVELOPING COUNTRY PARTICIPANTS AND ONE USG PARTICIPANT
TO PARTICIPATE IN AN FAO EXPERT WORKSHOP ON "THE IMPACT OF
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS ON BIOTECHNOLOGY IN DEVELOPING
COUNTRIES." (02 ROME 3648).
AUGUST 2002: MISSION STAFF EXPRESSED CONCERNS WITH PROPOSED
SCOPE OF WORK OF WORLD BANK (WB) INTERNATIONAL ASSESSMENT ON
AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY TO FAO'S ASSISTANT
DIRECTOR GENERAL FOR AGRICULTURE. FAO WILL BE CLOSELY
INVOLVED IN THE WB EFFORT.
OCTOBER 2002: MISSION WORKED CLOSELY WITH WFP STAFF ON
PREPARATION OF THE BACKGROUND DOCUMENT ON BIOTECH FOOD
PRESENTED TO THE WORLD FOOD PROGRAM EXECUTIVE BOARD SESSION.
AMBASSADOR HALL'S STATEMENT TO THE BOARD ARGUED STRONGLY IN
FAVOR OF SOUTHERN AFRICAN NATIONS ACCEPTING BIOTECH
ENGINEERED FOOD AID TO PREVENT A HUMANITARIAN DISASTER IN
THE REGION. USDEL WORKED CLOSELY WITH BOARD RAPPORTEUR TO
ENSURE THAT THE BOARD'S CONCLUSION FAITHFULLY REFLECTED U.S.
VIEWS. (02 ROME 5226)
OCTOBER 2002: MISSION WROTE TO FAO NOTING NUMEROUS ERRORS IN
AN FAO PUBLICATION, "THE BIOTECHNOLOGY GLOSSARY." TAKEN
TOGETHER THE ERRORS SHOWED A FAILURE TO SUBJECT THE GLOSSARY
TO A BALANCED AND SCIENTIFIC REVIEW AND REVEALED AN ANTI-
UNCLASSIFIED
PAGE 04 ROME 00702 02 OF 04 210658Z
BIOTECH BIAS. THE FAO WELCOMED THE COMMENTS AND PROMISED TO
TAKE THEM INTO CONSIDERATION IN FUTURE EDITIONS. AN FAO
SENIOR STAFFER ASKED FOR U.S. COLLABORATION ON FUTURE
EDITIONS. (HEILEMAN/FRESCO LETTER)
OCTOBER 2002: FAO COMMISSION ON GENETIC RESOURCES. U.S.
WORKED WITH LIKE-MINDED COUNTRIES TO ENSURE THAT THE (ANTI-
BIOTECH) FAO CODE OF CONDUCT ON BIOTECHNOLOGY REMAINS
MORIBUND. USDEL SUCCESSFULLY ARGUED FOR U.S. COMMENTS ON
GENETIC END USE TECHNOLOGY (GURTS) TO BE APPENDED TO A GURTS
REPORT TO BE SENT TO THE CONVENTION ON BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY.
THE U.S. STATEMENT CALLED ON FAO TO PROVIDE ACCURATE
SCIENTIFIC INFORMATION ON BIOTECHNOLOGY, PARTICULARLY
BEARING IN MIND THE CURRENT FOOD CRISIS IN SOUTHERN AFRICA.
(02 ROME 5323)
NOVEMBER 2002: MISOFF CALLED FAO'S ATTENTION TO A MISLEADING
AND BIASED STATEMENT ON THE OUTCOME OF THE COMMISSION ON
GENETIC RESOURCES AS REGARDS BIOTECHNOLOGY IN THE FAO'S
UNCLASSIFIED
UNCLASSIFIED PTQ3127
PAGE 01 ROME 00702 03 OF 04 210659Z
ACTION SSO-00
INFO LOG-00 AID-00 ANHR-00 EB-00 E-00 UTED-00 TEDE-00
IO-00 OIC-02 SS-00 STR-00 TEST-00 SAS-00 /002W
-------------- 3924D6 210659Z /38
R 210609Z FEB 03
FM AMEMBASSY ROME
TO SECSTATE WASHDC 8362
INFO USDA FAS WASHDC 2558
USMISSION USUN NEW YORK
USMISSION GENEVA
USMISSION UNVIE VIENNA
AMEMBASSY NAIROBI
USEU BRUSSELS 3132
AMEMBASSY MEXICO
EU MEMBER STATES COLLECTIVE
UNCLAS SECTION 03 OF 04 ROME 000702
SIPDIS
EB FOR LARSON
IO/EDA: WINNICK AND KOTOK; EB/TPP KLEMM AND MALAC/TPP/ATT
USDA/FAS FOR CHAMBLISS;REICH/HUGHES
USAID FOR JOSETTE LEWIS
USTR FOR RICHARD WHITE
ATHENS FOR JMCLEVERLEY
MEXICO CITY FOR BRAKEL
NAIROBI FOR UNEP
FROM FODAG
UNCLASSIFIED
PAGE 02 ROME 00702 03 OF 04 210659Z
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: AORC ETRD EAGR ETRD EAGR ETRD EAGR ETRD EAGR EAID UN FAO WFP EAID AORC UN FAO WFP EAID AORC UN FAO WFP EAID AORC UN FAO WFP
SUBJECT: U.S. MISSION ROME AND BIOTECHNOLOGY IN 2002
ELECTRONIC BIOTECH NEWS. FAO CALLED IT "A CUT AND PASTE
ERROR" AND CORRECTED THE STATEMENT.
NOVEMBER 2002: MISSION STAFF ORGANIZED MEETINGS WITH SENIOR
FAO STAFF FOR VISITING OES DAS BURNAM TO DISCUSS, INTER
ALIA, BIOTECH ENGINEERING AND ITS IMPACT ON THE ENVIRONMENT.
NOVEMBER 2002: MISSION STAFF BRIEFED A VISITING GOVERNMENT
ACCOUNTING OFFICE (GAO) TEAM LOOKING AT THE SOUTHERN AFRICAN
FOOD EMERGENCY, INCLUDING THE QUESTION OF BIOTECH FOOD AID.
MISSION STAFF ORGANIZED MEETINGS FOR THE GAO INVESTIGATORS
TO DISCUSS THIS QUESTION WITH FAO AND WFP STAFF.
DECEMBER 2002: AMBASSADOR HALL PRESENTED U.S. VIEWS ON THE
GROWING HUMANITARIAN EMERGENCY IN SOUTHERN AFRICA TO
SELECTED ROME-BASED PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVES TO THE UN FOOD
AND AGRICULTURE ORGANIZATION (FAO) AND ASKED THE ASSEMBLED
REPRESENTATIVES (FROM OECD DONOR COUNTRIES AND RECIPIENT
COUNTRIES IN AFRICA) TO SPEAK OUT ON THE SAFETY OF U.S.
BIOTECH ENGINEERED FOOD AID. AMEMBASSY VATICAN FOLLOWED UP
WITH A SIMILAR MEETING WITH AMBASSADORS ACCREDITED TO THE
HOLY SEE. (02 ROME 5831)
3. AMBASSADOR'S PRESS RELEASES AND ARTICLES COVERING
BIOTECH ISSUES - SEPTEMBER 26- DECEMBER 19, 2002
UNCLASSIFIED
PAGE 03 ROME 00702 03 OF 04 210659Z
10/10 PRESS CONFERENCE - TOGETHER WITH AMB. SULLIVAN IN
HARARE, AMB. HALL DETAILED THE CRITICAL SITUATION IN
ZIMBABWE, FOLLOWING A NUMBER OF FIELD VISITS AND MEETINGS
WITH NGOS AND GOZ OFFICIALS. THE PRESS CONFERENCE WAS WELL
ATTENDED AND GENERATED COVERAGE FROM THE UK'S THE GUARDIAN,
THE AP, THE GOZ DAILY HERALD AND A NUMBER OF OTHERS.
10/14 RADIO INTERVIEW - UPON THE RETURN FROM HIS TRIP, HE
CONDUCTED AN INTERVIEW WITH SW RADIO AFRICA, ZIMBABWE'S ONLY
INDEPENDENT RADIO STATION, FUNDED IN PART BY THE US. HE
SPOKE ABOUT THE TRIP AND HIS CONCERNS WITH GOZ POLICIES.
10/22 INTERVIEW - REUTERS ARTICLE ON CRISIS IN SOUTHERN
AFRICA.
10/23 QUOTE - THE INTERNATIONAL HERALD TRIBUNE FEATURED A
QUOTE FROM THE REUTERS STORY REGARDING ZIMBABWE THAT WAS
PUBLISHED DURING THE WFP EXECUTIVE BOARD (EB) MEETING.
10/23 PRESS RELEASE - AMB. HALL'S STATEMENT TO THE WFP EB
MEETING REGARDING HIS TRIP TO SOUTHERN AFRICA AND THE NEED
FOR BIOTECH FOOD WAS PRESENTED TO THE ENTIRE BOARD AND
COPIES WERE PROVIDED TO EACH INDIVIDUAL DELEGATION.
11/13 OP-ED - "AN ARGUMENT THAT KEEPS AFRICA HUNGRY" ON
BIOTECH FOOD AID WAS PUBLISHED IN BOTH THE EUROPEAN AND US
VERSIONS OF THE FINANCIAL TIMES.
11/28 INTERVIEW - THANKSGIVING ARTICLE IN AMB. HALL'S
HOMETOWN PAPER, THE DAYTON DAILY NEWS, ABOUT HIS NEW
POSITION, THE SITUATION IN AFRICA AND BIOTECH FOOD.
UNCLASSIFIED
PAGE 04 ROME 00702 03 OF 04 210659Z
11/30 ARTICLES - THE AP STORY FILED FROM HIS INTERVIEW WITH
THE DAYTON DAILY NEWS RESULTED IN COVERAGE IN BOTH THE
WASHINGTON POST AND THE NEW YORK TIMES
12/5 PRESS CONFERENCE - DURING A TRIP TO BRUSSELS TO SPEAK
WITH MEMBERS OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND COMMISSION,
US/EU ORGANIZED A PRESS CONFERENCE THAT RESULTED IN A
REUTERS STORY AND A STORY ON THE SPANISH WIRE, EFE.
12/7 STORY - CORRIERE DELLA SERRA, THE MOST INFLUENTIAL
ITALIAN DAILY, CARRIED A STORY ON AFRICA AND BIOTECH FOOD,
BASED ON AMB. HALL'S COMMENTS IN BRUSSELS.
12/9 FOLLOW-UP STORY - REUTERS CARRIED ANOTHER PIECE QUOTING
AMB. HALL REGARDING THE ZAMBIAN DECISION TO REJECT BIOTECH
FOOD.
4. COMMENT: A LOOK BACK AT THE MISSION'S BIOTECH ADVOCACY
UNCLASSIFIED
UNCLASSIFIED PTQ3128
PAGE 01 ROME 00702 04 OF 04 210659Z
ACTION SSO-00
INFO LOG-00 AID-00 ANHR-00 EB-00 E-00 UTED-00 TEDE-00
IO-00 OIC-02 SS-00 STR-00 TEST-00 SAS-00 /002W
-------------- 3924DB 210659Z /38
R 210609Z FEB 03
FM AMEMBASSY ROME
TO SECSTATE WASHDC 8363
INFO USDA FAS WASHDC 2559
USMISSION USUN NEW YORK
USMISSION GENEVA
USMISSION UNVIE VIENNA
AMEMBASSY NAIROBI
USEU BRUSSELS 3133
AMEMBASSY MEXICO
EU MEMBER STATES COLLECTIVE
UNCLAS SECTION 04 OF 04 ROME 000702
SIPDIS
EB FOR LARSON
IO/EDA: WINNICK AND KOTOK; EB/TPP KLEMM AND MALAC/TPP/ATT
USDA/FAS FOR CHAMBLISS;REICH/HUGHES
USAID FOR JOSETTE LEWIS
USTR FOR RICHARD WHITE
ATHENS FOR JMCLEVERLEY
MEXICO CITY FOR BRAKEL
NAIROBI FOR UNEP
FROM FODAG
UNCLASSIFIED
PAGE 02 ROME 00702 04 OF 04 210659Z
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: AORC ETRD EAGR ETRD EAGR ETRD EAGR ETRD EAGR EAID UN FAO WFP EAID AORC UN FAO WFP EAID AORC UN FAO WFP EAID AORC UN FAO WFP
SUBJECT: U.S. MISSION ROME AND BIOTECHNOLOGY IN 2002
IN 2002 SHOWS HOW IMPORTANT IT IS TO KEEP CLOSE TABS ON THIS
ISSUE, PARTICULARLY IN UN BODIES THAT PURPORT TO BE NEUTRAL
BUT THAT MAY CARRY THEIR OWN BIASES. AT THE FAO, SENIOR
STAFF ARE POLITICALLY ATTUNED TO THE DIRECTOR GENERAL'S
DESIRE TO STAY OUT OF THE U.S./EU CROSSFIRE ON BIOTECHNOLOGY
AND HESITATE TO TAKE A STRONG POSITION. U.S. ADVOCACY HELPS
MID-LEVEL PRO-BIOTECH FAO OFFICIALS MAKE A SOUND, SCIENCE-
BASED CASE TO FAO SENIOR OFFICIALS. HEILEMAN
UNCLASSIFIED
>
2003ROME00702 - Classification: UNCLASSIFIED
SIPDIS
EB FOR LARSON
IO/EDA: WINNICK AND KOTOK; EB/TPP KLEMM AND MALAC/TPP/ATT
USDA/FAS FOR CHAMBLISS;REICH/HUGHES
USAID FOR JOSETTE LEWIS
USTR FOR RICHARD WHITE
ATHENS FOR JMCLEVERLEY
MEXICO CITY FOR BRAKEL
NAIROBI FOR UNEP
FROM FODAG
UNCLASSIFIED
PAGE 02 ROME 00702 01 OF 04 210658Z
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: AORC ETRD EAGR ETRD EAGR ETRD EAGR ETRD EAGR EAID UN FAO WFP EAID AORC UN FAO WFP EAID AORC UN FAO WFP EAID AORC UN FAO WFP
SUBJECT: U.S. MISSION ROME AND BIOTECHNOLOGY IN 2002
1. SUMMARY: THE U.S. MISSION TO THE UN AGENCIES IN ROME
PROVIDES A VERY GOOD PLATFORM FOR PROMOTING AGRICULTURAL
BIOTECHNOLOGY AS A TOOL FOR PROMOTING SUSTAINABLE GROWTH IN
THE DEVELOPING WORLD TO A DIVERSE AND INFLUENTIAL AUDIENCE
FROM DEVELOPED AND DEVELOPING COUNTRIES. A LOOK BACK AT THE
MISSION'S BIOTECH ADVOCACY IN 2002 SHOWS HOW IMPORTANT IT IS
TO KEEP CLOSE TABS ON THIS ISSUE, PARTICULARLY IN UN BODIES
THAT PURPORT TO BE NEUTRAL BUT THAT MAY CARRY THEIR OWN
BIASES. BIOTECH WILL CONTINUE TO BE AN IMPORTANT ISSUE AT
THE ROME AGENCIES IN 2003; THE U.S. MISSION ROME STANDS
READY TO EXPLOIT FULLY THESE OPPORTUNITIES. END SUMMARY.
2. THE U.S. MISSION TO THE UN AGENCIES IN ROME PROVIDES A
VERY GOOD PLATFORM FOR PROMOTING AGRICULTURAL BIOTECHNOLOGY
AS A TOOL FOR PROMOTING SUSTAINABLE GROWTH IN THE DEVELOPING
WORLD TO A DIVERSE AND INFLUENTIAL AUDIENCE. OUR MAJOR
INTERLOCUTORS ARE AMBASSADORS AND AGRICULTURAL COUNSELORS
FROM DEVELOPED AND DEVELOPING COUNTRIES POSTED TO THEIR
PERMANENT MISSIONS TO THE UN AGENCIES IN ROME. THESE SENIOR
OFFICIALS DEBATE LONG-TERM BIOTECH POLICY IN UN FOOD AND
AGRICULTURE ORGANIZATION (FAO) POLICY-MAKING BODIES AND
DISCUSS THE REAL-WORLD IMPLICATIONS OF BIOTECH FOOD AID AS
MEMBERS OF THE WORLD FOOD PROGRAM (WFP) EXECUTIVE BOARD.
OUR OTHER MAJOR INTERLOCUTORS ARE SENIOR AND MID-LEVEL
OFFICIALS AT THE FAO WHO ARE SHAPING FAO POLICY STATEMENTS
AND MANAGING FAO PROGRAMS DEALING WITH BIOTECHNOLOGY.
UNCLASSIFIED
PAGE 03 ROME 00702 01 OF 04 210658Z
2. THIS CABLE PRESENTS A SHORT CHRONOLOGY OF MANY OF THE
ACTIVITIES (OUTSIDE OF THE REGULAR MEETING SCHEDULE),WHICH
U.S. MISSION ROME TOOK TO PROMOTE AGRICULTURAL BIOTECHNOLOGY
ON BEHALF OF THE DEVELOPING WORLD.
JANUARY 2002: THE FRUIT OF LONG-TERM CONTACTS WITH FAO
STAFF RESPONSIBLE FOR BIOTECHNOLOGY, MISSION REPORTED TO
WASHINGTON THAT THE FAO SOUGHT EXPERT GUIDANCE IN THE AREA
OF INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS AS IT RELATES TO
BIOTECHNOLOGY AND WOULD WELCOME U.S. ASSISTANCE. (02 ROME
106)
JANUARY 2002: THE ACTING PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE HOSTED A
LUNCH FOR PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVES FROM ZIMBABWE, TANZANIA,
SOUTH AFRICA AND KENYA TO DISCUSS AFRICAN PERSPECTIVES ON
AGRICULTURAL BIOTECHNOLOGY.
FEBRUARY 2002: THE ACTING PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE HOSTED A
LUNCH FOR PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVES FROM INDONESIA,
THAILAND, MALAYSIA, CHINA AND INDIA TO DISCUSS ASIAN
PERSPECTIVES ON AGRICULTURAL BIOTECHNOLOGY.
FEBRUARY 2002: THE MISSION ORGANIZED A COFFEE SESSION WITH
VISITING USG SPONSORED SCIENTIST AND BIOTECH ADVOCATE, DR.
CHANNAPATNA PRAKASH, FOR SELECTED PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVES
FROM SWEDEN, THE PHILIPPINES AND LESOTHO.
MARCH 2002: A SEMINAR ON "BIOTECH FOOD AID" HOSTED BY THE
BELGIAN DELEGATION TO THE FAO PROVIDED INVITED U.S. MISSION
STAFF AN OPPORTUNITY TO ARGUE IN FAVOR OF FAO TAKING A PRO-
UNCLASSIFIED
PAGE 04 ROME 00702 01 OF 04 210658Z
BIOTECH APPROACH AND SUPPORT THE SAFETY OF U.S. DONATED
BIOTECH FOOD AID BEFORE 20 PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVES FROM
DEVELOPED AND DEVELOPING COUNTRIES.
APRIL 2002: MISSION NOTIFIED FAO THAT THE CONVENTION ON
BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY HAD POSTED AN FAO PAPER ON GENETIC END
USE RESTRICTION TECHNOLOGY (GURTS) THAT HAD NOT BEEN
APPROVED BY ANY FAO BODY. (THE PAPER WAS BIASED AND NOT
SUPPORTED BY SOUND SCIENCE.) FAO CALLED IT TO THE ATTENTION
OF THE CBD SECRETARIAT. (4/3/02 HEILEMAN/FRESCO LETTER)
MAY 2002: MISSION SUCCESSFULLY REQUESTED FUNDING FOR FIVE
MID-LEVEL DIPLOMATS TO PARTICIPATE IN AN INTERNATIONAL
VISITORS PROGRAM VISIT TO THE U.S. BIOTECHNOLOGY WAS ONE OF
THE TOPICS ADDRESSED IN THE VISIT. (03 ROME 503)
JULY 2002: WORLD FOOD SUMMIT FIVE YEARS LATER: U.S.
DELEGATION SUCCESSFULLY NEGOTIATED INCLUSION OF STRONG
BIOTECH LANGUAGE IN THE DECLARATION OF THE WORLD FOOD SUMMIT
UNCLASSIFIED
UNCLASSIFIED PTQ3126
PAGE 01 ROME 00702 02 OF 04 210658Z
ACTION SSO-00
INFO LOG-00 AID-00 ANHR-00 EB-00 E-00 UTED-00 TEDE-00
IO-00 OIC-02 SS-00 STR-00 TEST-00 SAS-00 /002W
-------------- 3924CA 210659Z /38
R 210609Z FEB 03
FM AMEMBASSY ROME
TO SECSTATE WASHDC 8361
INFO USDA FAS WASHDC 2557
USMISSION USUN NEW YORK
USMISSION GENEVA
USMISSION UNVIE VIENNA
AMEMBASSY NAIROBI
USEU BRUSSELS 3131
AMEMBASSY MEXICO
EU MEMBER STATES COLLECTIVE
UNCLAS SECTION 02 OF 04 ROME 000702
SIPDIS
EB FOR LARSON
IO/EDA: WINNICK AND KOTOK; EB/TPP KLEMM AND MALAC/TPP/ATT
USDA/FAS FOR CHAMBLISS;REICH/HUGHES
USAID FOR JOSETTE LEWIS
USTR FOR RICHARD WHITE
ATHENS FOR JMCLEVERLEY
MEXICO CITY FOR BRAKEL
NAIROBI FOR UNEP
FROM FODAG
UNCLASSIFIED
PAGE 02 ROME 00702 02 OF 04 210658Z
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: AORC ETRD EAGR ETRD EAGR ETRD EAGR ETRD EAGR EAID UN FAO WFP EAID AORC UN FAO WFP EAID AORC UN FAO WFP EAID AORC UN FAO WFP
SUBJECT: U.S. MISSION ROME AND BIOTECHNOLOGY IN 2002
FIVE YEARS LATER. MISSION AND WASHINGTON AGENCIES ORGANIZED
A U.S./IFPRI SPONSORED SYMPOSIUM ON BIOTECHNOLOGY, FEATURING
NORMAN BORLAUG AND OPENED BY THE NIGERIAN MINISTER OF
AGRICULTURE. A STANDING ROOM AUDIENCE OF WORLD FOOD SUMMIT
DELEGATES AND ITALIAN OFFICIALS HEARD POWERFUL PRESENTATIONS
IN FAVOR OF AGRICULTURAL BIOTECHNOLOGY FOR THE DEVELOPING
WORLD. (BBC MORNING NEWS PICKED UP THE EVENT.) ACTING PERM
REP HOSTED A DINNER FOR BORLAUG AND OTHER SYMPOSIUM
PARTICIPANTS WITH SENIOR FAO OFFICIALS AND OTHER WORLD FOOD
SUMMIT HEADS OF DELEGATION. (02 ROME 3214)
JULY AND AUGUST 2002: MISSION STAFF MET WITH FAO DEPUTY
DIRECTOR GENERAL TO INFORM HIM THAT FAO WAS BEING CITED AS A
SOURCE OF INCORRECT INFORMATION ON THE CARTAGENA PROTOCOL,
WITH DISASTROUS IMPLICATIONS FOR SOUTHERN AFRICAN ACCEPTANCE
OF BIOTECH FOOD AID. THE FAO AGREED TO CORRECT THE DOCUMENT
IN QUESTION (A LETTER TO UN UNDERSECRETARY OSHIMA) AND
ADVISE ITS REGIONAL REPRESENTATIVES. (02 ROME 3508)
AUGUST 2002: ACTING CHIEF OF MISSION AND AGRICULTURAL
COUNSELOR MET WITH FAO DIRECTOR GENERAL AND FAO SENIOR STAFF
TO ENSURE THAT FAO WAS FOLLOWING UP ON ITS AGREEMENT TO
CORRECT THE MISINFORMATION. (02 3508, 3676, 3899, 4048)
AUGUST 2002: MISSION MAINTAINED DAILY COMMUNICATION WITH
SENIOR FAO OFFICIALS ON THE NEED FOR THE FAO TO SEND A
UNCLASSIFIED
PAGE 03 ROME 00702 02 OF 04 210658Z
POSITIVE PUBLIC MESSAGE ON THE SAFETY OF BIOTECH FOOD AID.
THE FAO/WHO STATEMENT ON BIOTECH ENGINEERED FOOD ISSUED AT
THE WORLD SUMMIT ON SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT REFLECTED THIS
UNREMITTING MISSION (BACKED UP BY OTHER USG) PRESSURE.
JULY 2002: MISSION SUCCESSFULLY MOBILIZED USG FUNDING FOR
TWO DEVELOPING COUNTRY PARTICIPANTS AND ONE USG PARTICIPANT
TO PARTICIPATE IN AN FAO EXPERT WORKSHOP ON "THE IMPACT OF
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS ON BIOTECHNOLOGY IN DEVELOPING
COUNTRIES." (02 ROME 3648).
AUGUST 2002: MISSION STAFF EXPRESSED CONCERNS WITH PROPOSED
SCOPE OF WORK OF WORLD BANK (WB) INTERNATIONAL ASSESSMENT ON
AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY TO FAO'S ASSISTANT
DIRECTOR GENERAL FOR AGRICULTURE. FAO WILL BE CLOSELY
INVOLVED IN THE WB EFFORT.
OCTOBER 2002: MISSION WORKED CLOSELY WITH WFP STAFF ON
PREPARATION OF THE BACKGROUND DOCUMENT ON BIOTECH FOOD
PRESENTED TO THE WORLD FOOD PROGRAM EXECUTIVE BOARD SESSION.
AMBASSADOR HALL'S STATEMENT TO THE BOARD ARGUED STRONGLY IN
FAVOR OF SOUTHERN AFRICAN NATIONS ACCEPTING BIOTECH
ENGINEERED FOOD AID TO PREVENT A HUMANITARIAN DISASTER IN
THE REGION. USDEL WORKED CLOSELY WITH BOARD RAPPORTEUR TO
ENSURE THAT THE BOARD'S CONCLUSION FAITHFULLY REFLECTED U.S.
VIEWS. (02 ROME 5226)
OCTOBER 2002: MISSION WROTE TO FAO NOTING NUMEROUS ERRORS IN
AN FAO PUBLICATION, "THE BIOTECHNOLOGY GLOSSARY." TAKEN
TOGETHER THE ERRORS SHOWED A FAILURE TO SUBJECT THE GLOSSARY
TO A BALANCED AND SCIENTIFIC REVIEW AND REVEALED AN ANTI-
UNCLASSIFIED
PAGE 04 ROME 00702 02 OF 04 210658Z
BIOTECH BIAS. THE FAO WELCOMED THE COMMENTS AND PROMISED TO
TAKE THEM INTO CONSIDERATION IN FUTURE EDITIONS. AN FAO
SENIOR STAFFER ASKED FOR U.S. COLLABORATION ON FUTURE
EDITIONS. (HEILEMAN/FRESCO LETTER)
OCTOBER 2002: FAO COMMISSION ON GENETIC RESOURCES. U.S.
WORKED WITH LIKE-MINDED COUNTRIES TO ENSURE THAT THE (ANTI-
BIOTECH) FAO CODE OF CONDUCT ON BIOTECHNOLOGY REMAINS
MORIBUND. USDEL SUCCESSFULLY ARGUED FOR U.S. COMMENTS ON
GENETIC END USE TECHNOLOGY (GURTS) TO BE APPENDED TO A GURTS
REPORT TO BE SENT TO THE CONVENTION ON BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY.
THE U.S. STATEMENT CALLED ON FAO TO PROVIDE ACCURATE
SCIENTIFIC INFORMATION ON BIOTECHNOLOGY, PARTICULARLY
BEARING IN MIND THE CURRENT FOOD CRISIS IN SOUTHERN AFRICA.
(02 ROME 5323)
NOVEMBER 2002: MISOFF CALLED FAO'S ATTENTION TO A MISLEADING
AND BIASED STATEMENT ON THE OUTCOME OF THE COMMISSION ON
GENETIC RESOURCES AS REGARDS BIOTECHNOLOGY IN THE FAO'S
UNCLASSIFIED
UNCLASSIFIED PTQ3127
PAGE 01 ROME 00702 03 OF 04 210659Z
ACTION SSO-00
INFO LOG-00 AID-00 ANHR-00 EB-00 E-00 UTED-00 TEDE-00
IO-00 OIC-02 SS-00 STR-00 TEST-00 SAS-00 /002W
-------------- 3924D6 210659Z /38
R 210609Z FEB 03
FM AMEMBASSY ROME
TO SECSTATE WASHDC 8362
INFO USDA FAS WASHDC 2558
USMISSION USUN NEW YORK
USMISSION GENEVA
USMISSION UNVIE VIENNA
AMEMBASSY NAIROBI
USEU BRUSSELS 3132
AMEMBASSY MEXICO
EU MEMBER STATES COLLECTIVE
UNCLAS SECTION 03 OF 04 ROME 000702
SIPDIS
EB FOR LARSON
IO/EDA: WINNICK AND KOTOK; EB/TPP KLEMM AND MALAC/TPP/ATT
USDA/FAS FOR CHAMBLISS;REICH/HUGHES
USAID FOR JOSETTE LEWIS
USTR FOR RICHARD WHITE
ATHENS FOR JMCLEVERLEY
MEXICO CITY FOR BRAKEL
NAIROBI FOR UNEP
FROM FODAG
UNCLASSIFIED
PAGE 02 ROME 00702 03 OF 04 210659Z
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: AORC ETRD EAGR ETRD EAGR ETRD EAGR ETRD EAGR EAID UN FAO WFP EAID AORC UN FAO WFP EAID AORC UN FAO WFP EAID AORC UN FAO WFP
SUBJECT: U.S. MISSION ROME AND BIOTECHNOLOGY IN 2002
ELECTRONIC BIOTECH NEWS. FAO CALLED IT "A CUT AND PASTE
ERROR" AND CORRECTED THE STATEMENT.
NOVEMBER 2002: MISSION STAFF ORGANIZED MEETINGS WITH SENIOR
FAO STAFF FOR VISITING OES DAS BURNAM TO DISCUSS, INTER
ALIA, BIOTECH ENGINEERING AND ITS IMPACT ON THE ENVIRONMENT.
NOVEMBER 2002: MISSION STAFF BRIEFED A VISITING GOVERNMENT
ACCOUNTING OFFICE (GAO) TEAM LOOKING AT THE SOUTHERN AFRICAN
FOOD EMERGENCY, INCLUDING THE QUESTION OF BIOTECH FOOD AID.
MISSION STAFF ORGANIZED MEETINGS FOR THE GAO INVESTIGATORS
TO DISCUSS THIS QUESTION WITH FAO AND WFP STAFF.
DECEMBER 2002: AMBASSADOR HALL PRESENTED U.S. VIEWS ON THE
GROWING HUMANITARIAN EMERGENCY IN SOUTHERN AFRICA TO
SELECTED ROME-BASED PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVES TO THE UN FOOD
AND AGRICULTURE ORGANIZATION (FAO) AND ASKED THE ASSEMBLED
REPRESENTATIVES (FROM OECD DONOR COUNTRIES AND RECIPIENT
COUNTRIES IN AFRICA) TO SPEAK OUT ON THE SAFETY OF U.S.
BIOTECH ENGINEERED FOOD AID. AMEMBASSY VATICAN FOLLOWED UP
WITH A SIMILAR MEETING WITH AMBASSADORS ACCREDITED TO THE
HOLY SEE. (02 ROME 5831)
3. AMBASSADOR'S PRESS RELEASES AND ARTICLES COVERING
BIOTECH ISSUES - SEPTEMBER 26- DECEMBER 19, 2002
UNCLASSIFIED
PAGE 03 ROME 00702 03 OF 04 210659Z
10/10 PRESS CONFERENCE - TOGETHER WITH AMB. SULLIVAN IN
HARARE, AMB. HALL DETAILED THE CRITICAL SITUATION IN
ZIMBABWE, FOLLOWING A NUMBER OF FIELD VISITS AND MEETINGS
WITH NGOS AND GOZ OFFICIALS. THE PRESS CONFERENCE WAS WELL
ATTENDED AND GENERATED COVERAGE FROM THE UK'S THE GUARDIAN,
THE AP, THE GOZ DAILY HERALD AND A NUMBER OF OTHERS.
10/14 RADIO INTERVIEW - UPON THE RETURN FROM HIS TRIP, HE
CONDUCTED AN INTERVIEW WITH SW RADIO AFRICA, ZIMBABWE'S ONLY
INDEPENDENT RADIO STATION, FUNDED IN PART BY THE US. HE
SPOKE ABOUT THE TRIP AND HIS CONCERNS WITH GOZ POLICIES.
10/22 INTERVIEW - REUTERS ARTICLE ON CRISIS IN SOUTHERN
AFRICA.
10/23 QUOTE - THE INTERNATIONAL HERALD TRIBUNE FEATURED A
QUOTE FROM THE REUTERS STORY REGARDING ZIMBABWE THAT WAS
PUBLISHED DURING THE WFP EXECUTIVE BOARD (EB) MEETING.
10/23 PRESS RELEASE - AMB. HALL'S STATEMENT TO THE WFP EB
MEETING REGARDING HIS TRIP TO SOUTHERN AFRICA AND THE NEED
FOR BIOTECH FOOD WAS PRESENTED TO THE ENTIRE BOARD AND
COPIES WERE PROVIDED TO EACH INDIVIDUAL DELEGATION.
11/13 OP-ED - "AN ARGUMENT THAT KEEPS AFRICA HUNGRY" ON
BIOTECH FOOD AID WAS PUBLISHED IN BOTH THE EUROPEAN AND US
VERSIONS OF THE FINANCIAL TIMES.
11/28 INTERVIEW - THANKSGIVING ARTICLE IN AMB. HALL'S
HOMETOWN PAPER, THE DAYTON DAILY NEWS, ABOUT HIS NEW
POSITION, THE SITUATION IN AFRICA AND BIOTECH FOOD.
UNCLASSIFIED
PAGE 04 ROME 00702 03 OF 04 210659Z
11/30 ARTICLES - THE AP STORY FILED FROM HIS INTERVIEW WITH
THE DAYTON DAILY NEWS RESULTED IN COVERAGE IN BOTH THE
WASHINGTON POST AND THE NEW YORK TIMES
12/5 PRESS CONFERENCE - DURING A TRIP TO BRUSSELS TO SPEAK
WITH MEMBERS OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND COMMISSION,
US/EU ORGANIZED A PRESS CONFERENCE THAT RESULTED IN A
REUTERS STORY AND A STORY ON THE SPANISH WIRE, EFE.
12/7 STORY - CORRIERE DELLA SERRA, THE MOST INFLUENTIAL
ITALIAN DAILY, CARRIED A STORY ON AFRICA AND BIOTECH FOOD,
BASED ON AMB. HALL'S COMMENTS IN BRUSSELS.
12/9 FOLLOW-UP STORY - REUTERS CARRIED ANOTHER PIECE QUOTING
AMB. HALL REGARDING THE ZAMBIAN DECISION TO REJECT BIOTECH
FOOD.
4. COMMENT: A LOOK BACK AT THE MISSION'S BIOTECH ADVOCACY
UNCLASSIFIED
UNCLASSIFIED PTQ3128
PAGE 01 ROME 00702 04 OF 04 210659Z
ACTION SSO-00
INFO LOG-00 AID-00 ANHR-00 EB-00 E-00 UTED-00 TEDE-00
IO-00 OIC-02 SS-00 STR-00 TEST-00 SAS-00 /002W
-------------- 3924DB 210659Z /38
R 210609Z FEB 03
FM AMEMBASSY ROME
TO SECSTATE WASHDC 8363
INFO USDA FAS WASHDC 2559
USMISSION USUN NEW YORK
USMISSION GENEVA
USMISSION UNVIE VIENNA
AMEMBASSY NAIROBI
USEU BRUSSELS 3133
AMEMBASSY MEXICO
EU MEMBER STATES COLLECTIVE
UNCLAS SECTION 04 OF 04 ROME 000702
SIPDIS
EB FOR LARSON
IO/EDA: WINNICK AND KOTOK; EB/TPP KLEMM AND MALAC/TPP/ATT
USDA/FAS FOR CHAMBLISS;REICH/HUGHES
USAID FOR JOSETTE LEWIS
USTR FOR RICHARD WHITE
ATHENS FOR JMCLEVERLEY
MEXICO CITY FOR BRAKEL
NAIROBI FOR UNEP
FROM FODAG
UNCLASSIFIED
PAGE 02 ROME 00702 04 OF 04 210659Z
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: AORC ETRD EAGR ETRD EAGR ETRD EAGR ETRD EAGR EAID UN FAO WFP EAID AORC UN FAO WFP EAID AORC UN FAO WFP EAID AORC UN FAO WFP
SUBJECT: U.S. MISSION ROME AND BIOTECHNOLOGY IN 2002
IN 2002 SHOWS HOW IMPORTANT IT IS TO KEEP CLOSE TABS ON THIS
ISSUE, PARTICULARLY IN UN BODIES THAT PURPORT TO BE NEUTRAL
BUT THAT MAY CARRY THEIR OWN BIASES. AT THE FAO, SENIOR
STAFF ARE POLITICALLY ATTUNED TO THE DIRECTOR GENERAL'S
DESIRE TO STAY OUT OF THE U.S./EU CROSSFIRE ON BIOTECHNOLOGY
AND HESITATE TO TAKE A STRONG POSITION. U.S. ADVOCACY HELPS
MID-LEVEL PRO-BIOTECH FAO OFFICIALS MAKE A SOUND, SCIENCE-
BASED CASE TO FAO SENIOR OFFICIALS. HEILEMAN
UNCLASSIFIED
>
2003ROME00702 - Classification: UNCLASSIFIED